Cork East TD, Kevin O’Keeffe has said that he is hopeful that a new medical ophthalmologist will be appointed to Cork University Hospital to deal with the chronic delays in accessing ophthalmological services.

Following receipt of a parliamentary reply from the HSE, I’ve been told that the CUH management are liaising with the South/South West Hospital Group to explore the option of recruiting a new medical ophthalmologist.

“This is a welcome move, and one I hope management can secure agreement on as quickly as possible.

“We know that there is an estimated shortfall in capacity of 28,620 patient appointments per year.

“One additional medical ophthalmologist while important will not meet the shortfall in capacity that has been identified.

“It’s a step in the right direction, but more is needed. I will be keeping an eye on the recruitment process to ensure that it is expedited as quickly as possible.

“Delays like this are happening all over the health service. It’s clear that the Government’s commitment for the money to follow the patient simply isn’t realistic anymore,” concluded O’Keeffe.